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Sunday, July 6, 2008

Have you been to Mitford?

Have you ever read a book that just drew you in and made you want to be right there talking, interacting with the characters? A down home kind of book that made you feel all warm and cozy inside? A book whose author was not ashamed to speak of Jesus Christ and how His presence in our lives really make a difference?

Well, that's just what this series of books will do for you. Written by Jan Karon, and lovingly called The Mitford Series. These books are simple and sweet reads. They're not filled with violence, strong language or sexual scenes. But you will find these books a pure pleasure to read. The themes are focused on the tales of Father Tim Kavanagh, local Episcopal priest of Lord's Chapel Church in Mitford, South Carolina, members of his congregation and folks of the town. There are nine books in this series and I was a little sad when Ms. Karon decided to end them. If you're a fan of mysteries, crime, passion and the like...take a break and come to a breath of fresh air. I think you just might get hooked too!

And guess what? How many book series do you know that have companion cook books? Well, honey, this one does. All through the Mitford books you read of great cooks and they become quite popular with their specialty dishes.

This cookbook is filled with these great recipes and many from Jan Karon and her family members along with gorgeous photos.

The author herself ~ isn't she beautiful?

If you have read these books you're very familiar with the famous Orange Marmelade Cake. Well here it is. Yum!

20 comments:

Ah, yes - I've been to Mitford. Such a wonderful place to visit. I loved it because I grew up in a minister's home and I could identify with so many things. It was not only a great book, it brought back many memories. Happy, funny and a few that were sad. Life in a small town church. ~Adrienne~

I'm not usually into "Christian" reading, but these books had me hooked from the first page. The characters are so real that they fairly jump off the page and into your home. LOVED every one of them. And I've made the orange marmalade cake that put Father Tim into a diabetic fit! It's good!

I love the Mitford books; some I've read more than twice, and I don't usually re-read! Jan Karon actually has a new book out, Home to Holly Springs, which will be the first in a new "Father Tim" series. Here's a blurb..."With all the deep feeling, insight, and humor that fans of the Mitford series cherish, Karon in this novel takes Father Tim on a journey to his hometown of Holly Springs, Mississippi. A host of fascinating encounters with people along the way ensure that the trip is colorful, though as Father Tim arrives in response to a mysterious summons, he may discover that home is where the heart is but also where secrets are hidden."Also, I've made the orange marmalade cake and it's amazing!

Wow now I wish I did know of Mitford.It sounds like a wonderful series of stories. I love to read good clean mysteries, and Christian books as well. I must look her up and buy one. Hope you had a wonderful weekend.

Thanks for the tip. I love to read!! and the good ones always suck you in like that. The companion cook book is a marvelous idea. She is a genius. They are definitely on my list of to gets now. And I have always loved that hymn.Keep up the good work!

Sounds like a great series of books! I love that there is even a map of the fictional town. I noticed though that they have a Wisteria Lane, though I'm sure not even remotely like the women on Desperate Housewives, lol.

Oh these sound like something I would enjoy reading! Actually I would enjoy reading a magazine article at this point!! LOL!! I will have to pick these up- and the food........... oh I am very hungry now!!!-Heather :)

I loveMitford. I used to be a regular poster at Jan karon's forum which was our very own little bit of cyber Mitford, but over time the forum has lost most of its charm for me, anyway. Although there are many very fine folks who stll check in there daily! It has jsut gotten so large, because Mitford is so well loved. I always thought I'd love to live in Mitford. I enjoy going to Blowing Rock which was the inspiration you know. I can't wait to come to your tea party tomorrow!!!

Hi Sheila, oh I love the Mitford Series. I could get lost in that world. I hear it's based on a town in Blowing Rock, NC where the author lived while writing her first book. The books brought skads of peaple to their quiet little town. She's since moved to VA. I am going to check it out when we go to the Biltimore Estate one of these Christmas'.Blessings, ShirlShirls Rose Cottage

I've only read two of the Mitford books so far (yeah, I know... I'm incredibly late to the party!!!), and having literally just finished A Light In The Window, I just had to search for a map of Mitford in order to answer a few geographic questions I had running around in my head. The ever helpful Google directed me to your blog, and I thank you for the "bigger" map, so that I could print it out and refer to it to better understand where things are in this magical town.

As I said, I've only read the first two books so far, but I have a funny feeling about A Light In The Window. It may just end up being my favorite book in the series. I couldn't put it down! <3